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Paper abstract:

When exploring the question of female solidarity in an Islamic pious setting in Kyrgyzstan, one can observe a discourse that diverges from the western feminist discourses concerning women’s rights. Several topics have especially proven to be contentious, and seem to have irreconcilable positions. One such topic is the position of the kelin, the daughter-in-law who is ought to serve her family in-law. The viewpoints of several feminist activists, criticizing the tradition of the kelin, are often considered an attack on the Kyrgyz culture and integrity. At the same time ustazy, female Islamic teachers, discuss the issue during lectures. They offer advice in order to improve the relationship of kelins with their in-laws. This approach proves to be appealing, and tackles the issue without criticizing the essence of the tradition. In this paper, I aim to offer an ethnographic study of the discourses and dynamics of support that are offered by ustazy in the setting of women-only lectures regarding the position of the kelin in the family. I argue that these women navigate Kyrgyz traditions and religious sources, in order to shape a discourse that can provide support to women suffering from their position as kelins. For this paper, I have collected data from the field in several lectures with religious orientation in Bishkek and in the Osh region, interviews and posts on social media. This article aims to contribute to the discussions on female piety and women’s rights in Central Asia.